Wales captain Ken Owens has been ruled out of making their World Cup squad due to injury.
The hooker has been released from the squad with a back injury along with Scarlets team-mate Josh Macleod, who has a shoulder problem, and head coach Warren Gartland confirmed that he'll not be back in time for the tournament in France, except as a possible reserve.
"We gave Ken as much time as possible but his back has not recovered," Gatland told reporters. "He might need an operation so he's not going to be available for the World Cup squad.
"He has not retired from rugby and he's hoping if he recovers and gets himself right on the pitch, potentially he may be available (as a reserve call-up) if we pick up injuries during the World Cup."
Cardiff's Will Davies-King has also been ruled out of their World Cup training squad with a foot injury, while Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb have all retired since the preliminary squad was released last month.
Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has been called up ahead of the World Cup, where Wales’ campaign gets under way against Fiji on 10 September followed by games against Australia and Georgia.
Gatland said: "We’ve been really pleased with the players’ attitude and commitment throughout the first few weeks of our mini camps.
"The group has worked really hard and there have been a few curve balls from us in terms of testing them mentally and physically as people may have seen in some of our videos.
"Unfortunately we’re having to release Ken, Josh and Will due to injury which is really disappointing."
Additional reporting: Reuters
